Meat a new friend!Jack Daniel's Properties Inc., Louisville, is partnering withCompletely Fresh Foods Inc. (CFF), Montebello, Calif., on a national retail launch of Jack Daniel's ready-to-eat meat entrees.

Meat a new friend! Jack Daniel's Properties Inc., Louisville, is partnering with Completely Fresh Foods Inc. (CFF), Montebello, Calif., on a national retail launch of Jack Daniel's ready-to-eat meat entrees.

Jack Daniel's heat-and-serve offerings include baby back ribs, roasted beef brisket, pork loin, barbecue pulled pork, barbecue pulled chicken and other "center of the plate" home meal products. All varieties are made with Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey.

Officials say the national launch comes at a time when grocers are experiencing increasing popularity and consumer demand for higher quality fully prepared ready-to-serve entrees for use as home meal replacements (HMR). The retail market for refrigerated foods in US grocery stores is projected to reach $55 billion in 2009 (source: Datamonitor).

"With the launch of this premium line of Jack Daniel's ready-to-eat meat entrees, we are furthering the long established connection between Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey and high quality American cuisine,'' says David Dorsey, vice president and director for licensing at Brown Forman Corporation.

"The unique mellow taste of Jack Daniel's has long been recognized for adding a delicious touch to marinades and sauces and we have enjoyed great success with Jack Daniel's brand grilling sauces, mustard and other products," he continues. "Now consumers may go to their supermarket or club store and purchase the finest ribs, barbecue meats and chicken prepared with Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey and ready to heat and serve at home."

Adds CFF President Josh Solovy, "Our endeavor ...  is to provide world class products and we are using special cooking and preparation methods to create authentic Jack Daniel's products including slow cooking for up to nine hours, proprietary Jack Daniel's flavored spice rubs that are hand applied and oven glazing, an extra step that builds in flavor."

Jack Daniel's ready-to-eat meats began testing in southern California in September 2008 and are rolling into expanded distribution with leading grocery banners such as Albertsons stores as well as Kroger, Supervalu, Ahold and select COSTCO locations.

Officials say promotion and advertising support for the roll-out of Jack Daniel's meats varies by grocery chain and by state in conformity with state regulations. Promotion activities include in store displays of both Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey and Jack Daniels ready-to-eat meats, coupons, in-store product demonstrations and promotional advertising.